Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith, to Mike Bianchi: Signing Jason Williams is "a possibility"

by Evan Dunlap on Aug 18, 2009 9:05 PM EDT in News

Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith told Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel that free-agent point guard Jason Williams worked out for the team this morning, and "looked OK," saying "he's a possibility" to fill the Magic's need for another point guard.

Williams worked out for the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this month, and did not impress, according to Alex Kennedy's sources. Williams, who will turn 34 in November, signed with the Los Angeles Clippers last season, but abruptly retired before training camp began. After a year off, he's auditioning to return to the NBA.

Two weeks ago, I listed Williams in a survey of free-agent point guards whom the Magic might sign. My take hasn't changed. He's a heady player who can run an offense, but whose other deficiencies (shooting, defense) compromise his value.

UPDATE: Tim Povtak notes that Williams prefers Orlando above all other destinations:

Williams has told friends that his first choice would be playing in his adopted hometown, where his wife and children have been living. The Magic already have starter Jameer Nelson and veteran backup Anthony Johnson under contract.

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At this point... Just get it done Otis!!

At least he will not have to find a new home before coming and playing with the Magic!
Still a little bumbed about not getting CJ!!!

Can not wait for the season to start!!

by bumper64 on Aug 18, 2009 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

I hate to say it..

but I would rather have T-Lue back (shudder)

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Aug 18, 2009 4:56 PM EDT reply actions

I'd rather have Lue, also.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 18, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

that I agree with..

Lue is scrub, but J Will is below him..

Sign Lue and move on. Suprised there isn’t anyone in the D-league worth signing..

Why does GSW want 4 PG’s? Can we get Acie Law then?

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
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by Wmillion on Aug 18, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it's clear that the Warriors are overvaluing Watson, a bit.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 18, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions

+1 agreed

trainwreck franchise..

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
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by Wmillion on Aug 18, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions

You know what might be interesting, is if there’s a big enough and relevant enough field of players.. to find out how players played in their 1st season coming out of retirement. Remember Jason is a year-ish younger than AJ right now. AJ is better than 90% of what’s out there, but there’s a case for Jason being better as 1st backup than AJ depending on Jason’s return to top ,or close to top, form. So another thing that could be interesting is a comparison between Jason and AJ..

by derekk on Aug 18, 2009 4:57 PM EDT reply actions

Those are some things I could look into sometime in the future.

All conducive on whether or not Jason Williams actually signs with the Magic.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 18, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

yea would certainly make more sense if he actually signed here. thanks E

by derekk on Aug 18, 2009 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Otis saying "it's a possibility"

means it’s going to happen.

haha

by fwedo on Aug 18, 2009 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

Otis may just have a sweet to tooth and is wanting to add some White Chocolate to the team.

by bumper64 on Aug 18, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

"sweet tooth"

by bumper64 on Aug 19, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL,here's an idea

How about publishing a “Otis Smith dictionary”? That would be very helpful for us

by Dzogi on Aug 19, 2009 7:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Bingo.

You’re correct!

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 19, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

.

by fwedo on Aug 19, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought Jason Williams killed the Miami Heat two years ago … I don’t expect him to be improved after spending a year out of basketball.

NBA Roundtable

by NBR on Aug 18, 2009 6:06 PM EDT reply actions

I don't either. He's probably not a marked improvement over Anthony Johnson or Ty Lue.

I think Bobby Jackson might fit in well in Orlando, myself.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation | Brandon Bass: "I just play hard."

by Evan Dunlap on Aug 18, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Bobby Jax is perfect

I wonder if he would take a minimum deal..

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account

by Wmillion on Aug 18, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions

At his age (he'll turn 37 in March), he probably has no choice but to accept a minimum deal.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation | Brandon Bass: "I just play hard."

by Evan Dunlap on Aug 18, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Bobby Jackson would be a very good signing.

I saw Gabe Pruitt mentioned in the comments section in another article, he’s someone I’d be interested in too. I think he’s one of the best defensive players at the point guard position in the league. Good shooter too, but not much else offensively.

Pooh Jeter is another name, albeit a different type of third stringer. Not so much a ready to fill in guy, but a great practice player. Similar to Mateen Cleaves … loves basketball, works his socks off, pushes guys during practice everyday, great teammate … Sign him on a partially guaranteed contract and use him as a stand in for the time being, and see how it plays out.

NBA Roundtable

by NBR on Aug 18, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Eh, if the signing ends up happening, I wouldn't be overly excited about it but whatever.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 18, 2009 9:44 PM EDT reply actions

new information...nothing surprising

a friend on mine who is close with the family told me he will be offered 2 yr veteran deal sometime by the end of the week and it could happen 2morro….ill keep u posted

by GoMagic on Aug 19, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions